First let me start by saying this is a nice web site. It allows an old man to get back into a forgotten / lost hobby without having to reinvent the wheel. So thanks to all in advance.

The fist question (of many to come) is:

I'm doing my first frame off on a 69 Chevelle convertible. A friend said that the convertible Chevelles have a weak frame just forward of the rear wheels. While doing this frame off & before I send the frame out for powder coating should I do anything to strengthen the frame (i.e. plate it somewhere)?
The frame looks ok with the usual surface rust. I might also mention, this is a big-block application.

Secondly, should I do the quarter skins after the body is set back on the frame or before?

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

If this restoration is successful my other car (70 SS, 396 bench seat 4 spd) will be next. I also just bought my wife a 69 Camaro convertible for Xmas. So, I guess I should join some of these clubs & I look forward to your recommendations.

Thanks,

Jack....

hey jack, we will have to get together. welcome aboard. you are in my old stomping grounds. is stieve still at dougles speed shop? you must know that place.
check out my web pages. i have lots to offer and help you with.
pete
ps, check out my galvanized frame. forget about powder coating. this is better and cheeper.

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I couldn't repair my brakes, so I made my horn louder.
Just let me apolagize for my spelling right now!
www.EINSTYN.com (http://www.EINSTYN.com) TC Gold#1460, VCEA#2, SCPC#44
68-72 Wagon resto & mod info, parts & sales.

Jack I dont think yor friend knows his stuff. Those covert frames are pretty tough because they got to provide more backbone for the car due to the lack of a solid roof. I would send the frame to get checked for straightness before you get it powder coated. Any bodyshop with a frame machine can check it as long as they or you can provide the dimensions.

I believe you are starting off wrong! I always do my bodywork first then worry about the frame. Why get the frame nice and pretty and only leave it to chance that you will get primer all over it and what not. And trust me primer will find a way onto that frame. Get the car in primer then lift it off the frame. Once the frame is done set the car back on then wet sand the finall coat of primer then paint.

Plus DO ALL of your body work with the car on the frame and bolted down. Do not remove any welded on panels what so ever without it sitting the frame. The frame is the backbone of the car and you start cutting metal out you will start to bend, tweak, twist the struture of the car. Once you do that it can and will be very hard to restore back, BEEN there before. So dont remove a quarter or floor or trunk nothing that is welded period...Eric

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1970 chevelle
1970 chevelle SS455 not a typo its a BUICK BABY
1949 and 1972 chevy trucks
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/sevt_chevelles

Jack,
Everything that sevt_chevelle said is exactly what I would reccomend, your also near my old stomping grounds too I use to live in the scaggsville area.

As for a reccomendation for a car club to join I would reccomend the Maryland chevelle club I have been a member for six years and have met some real great people there, the website is www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm) this should give you a little history and knowledge of our club.

I might see you around at some car shows I usually attend the car show at sport chevrolet, I don't know if thats near you or not.

Brandon

I have seen a few A body frames that have pulled or are trying to pull the front A arm rear mount loose. I welded mine all around. Thats all I've heard on the weak frame deal.
Becareful pulling the body on a convertable as they are kinda weak w/o a hardtop to support them. You should rig up a brace across the door openings to keep the car from closing in on itself.
Roger

WELCOME to the BEST site on the net. Listen to these people, esp sevt_chevelle and MARTINSR. If you would like, click on the Md Chevelle Club link in my signature below.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)